Theft of goods results in significant annual costs for the retail sector. For small and medium-sized shops in particular, shoplifting can threaten their very survival. It therefore makes perfect sense to invest in appropriate security measures, as these can effectively reduce the incidence of theft.
What criteria must article security meet?
On the one hand, anti-theft measures should be discreet and not detract from the aesthetics of the shop fittings. On the other hand, however, it can also be effective to deter potential thieves using visible anti-theft devices. For this reason, there is a wide variety of security systems available, some of which are tailored to specific product categories. For example, goods can be secured using cord and bottle locks. However, goods can also be fitted with tags which, if not deactivated, can trigger an alarm at the exit. Alternative tags, on the other hand, cause the product to discolour or be destroyed if thieves attempt to remove them by force.
Security tags must be easy to install, cost-effective and accurate. Security tags are particularly important for expensive or popular products. There is a suitable security tag for every product. The security tag must not damage the product. Furthermore, all relevant product features must remain visible despite the security tag.
Which goods are particularly targeted by shoplifters?
Among the most commonly stolen items are:
• Cosmetic products (such as perfume, lipstick or creams)
• Clothes and shoes
• Jewellery
• Spirits
• Electronic products
• DIY store products
What is primary product protection?
The primary security measures are attached directly to the goods; for example, in the form of labels or cord tags.
What is secondary article protection?
The secondary security measures are located in the sales area. These may include video cameras and mirrors above the checkout. Security staff are also part of this.
What types of anti-theft devices are available?
The most suitable loss prevention system always depends on the goods to be protected and the layout of the shop. Generally speaking, there are mechanical-manual, acoustic-magnetic (AM), radio-frequency (RF) and electromagnetic loss prevention systems. These last three systems rely on tags and antennas. The antennas are located in the exit area and trigger an alarm if the tags on the products have not been removed or deactivated. Mechanical-manual anti-theft systems include, for example, cord security systems and display cabinets for product presentation.
How does a leash guard or pull box work?
The leash lock is permanently attached to the shop fittings at one end. The other end of the wire rope is secured to the product using a wire loop or adhesive. This allows customers to examine the product more closely. However, customers cannot remove the product from the leash lock without applying considerable force. The wire rope also exerts a strong pulling force at all times. An electronic security cable also triggers an audible alarm if the cable is cut. The security cable allows customers to inspect the goods independently. They do not need sales staff to assist them, as is the case with products locked away in display cabinets.
How does electronic article surveillance (EAS) work?
In electronic article surveillance, goods are secured using security tags. These include adhesive tags, soft tags and hard tags. The security function can only be deactivated or removed by staff. If a thief attempts to leave the store with unpaid goods, this triggers an alarm in the exit gate area. With security tags, products do not need to be locked away or chained. Electronic article surveillance reliably detects theft and triggers as few false alarms as possible.
What requirements must security gates meet?
Electronic article surveillance systems are not suitable for all passage widths between two antennas. Electromagnetic article surveillance is only suitable for narrow passage widths, whereas radio-frequency article surveillance can be used for passage widths of up to 200 cm. With acousto-magnetic anti-theft systems, the distance between two antennas can be significantly greater still. Anti-theft systems should always be discreetly integrated into the shop fittings. In some cases, it is possible to integrate the antennas invisibly into the floor, walls or doors of the exit gate area.
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